Vehicular Movement Electricity Converter Embedded Within A Road Bumb

ABSTRACT

A system for converting vehicular movement into electricity while serving as a road hump at the same time. The linear motion of the vehicles is transformed by the device into rotational motion and finally converted into electric power. The system comprises a semi-flexible cover strip lying across the path of vehicular traffic, covering the rest of the system, which is encapsulated within a housing embedded in the ground. The cover is connected to a generator via a wing or wings and a mechanism or mechanisms comprising a fly wheel, a rotor, a stator and a clutch. Passing vehicles push the cover strip down, causing the wings to depress, and engaging a clutch that transfers a rotational motion to the rotor, eventually, the rotor drives an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator converts the rotational motion of the rotor into electrical power.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of International Application No.PCT/IL2007/001165 filed Sep. 20, 2007, which claims priority based onProvisional Patent Application No. 60/845,772 filed Sep. 20, 2006, bothof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to kinetic-electrical energyconversion systems, and more particularly to the conversion of theenergy of passing vehicles into electricity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional methods of converting kinetic energy into electricity areknown to be embedded in roads for generating electricity from passingvehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,161 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety discloses such system. The system generatespower from the passage of motor vehicles. The vehicular movement istransformed into rotational energy of a turbine located on the side ofthe road.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,694 which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety describes an apparatus for generating power from vehiculartraffic. In this reference, the energy of moving vehicles is transferredto a power generator by fluid flow, such that the conversion involves aform of a hydraulic system.

International patent application No. WO2004023621 which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety discloses a system for generatingenergy on the road from the vehicles movement on the road. The systemcomprises a driving cylinder laid across the road in such a way thatvehicles pass over it, an electrical generator for generatingelectricity when its axis is rotated, and a transmission unit fortransferring rotational motion from the driving cylinder to thegenerator axis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed system takes the idea of utilizing on-road electricitygenerators further. It is observed that the traditional vehicularmovement energy converters create a substantial obstacle for the passingvehicles. Any driver passing over such a converter is required to slowdown or risk damaging his or her vehicle. The disclosed systemtransforms this disadvantage into an advantage by embedding thevehicular movement converter within a road hump.

Road humps (aka speed bumps or “silent policeman”) are widely used forroad traffic regulation, especially in urban road systems. Usually theyare built as a protrusion above road level. The humps make drivers slowdown in potentially dangerous places. The vehicle goes up on the humpand down from it during the motion. The kinetic energy of the vehicle istransformed into potential energy and is subsequently transformed backinto kinetic energy.

According to the present invention, the potential energy at theintermediate stage could be utilized by making the road hump move up anddown. The disclosed system converts the potential energy into electricpower, which can be used for streetlights or other electric appliances.

The present invention pertains an improvement of previous art bycombining a simplified process for energy generation and a road safetysystem, and improves the use of said electrical energy by adding abi-directional electricity meter. The combination of these threefeatures in the disclosed system reduces costs and maintenance expenses.

In embodiments of the invention, each time a vehicle passes over anddepresses the cover strip, a wing that is located within the housing ispushed down. This engages the clutch, which transfers a rotationalmotion to the rotor; the rotor drives the electromagnetic generator. Theelectromagnetic generator converts the rotational motion of the rotorinto electrical power. The electricity generated by the device is thenavailable for either immediate use or storage.

In embodiments, the electricity produced by the present invention isenough to power streetlights or other electric devices, and can beredirected to power grid by the use of bi-directional meter so thataccumulated energy consumed by device owner is reduced accordingly. Theproduced electric power could be utilized for public or personal needs.

In embodiments, the disclosed system comprises both external parts andparts that are hidden beneath road surface. The external part is made ofa semi-flexible cover strip running across a lane or multiple lanes oftraffic. The cover lies over the housing of the device. The housingcontains an electric power generator and a mechanism, which transformslinear motion of vehicles into rotational motion of the electric powergenerator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more clearlyunderstood in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein,given by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion ofthe present invention only, with reference to the accompanying drawings(Figures, or simply “FIGS.”), wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system according to thepresent invention without the electrical conversion means;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system according to thepresent invention with the electrical conversion means;

FIG. 3 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the presentinvention in a traffic roundabout;

FIG. 4 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the presentinvention in a multi lane road; and

FIG. 5 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the presentinvention in T-junction on the left turn lane.

The drawings together with the description make apparent to thoseskilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.

Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to the presentinvention without the electrical conversion means. The system comprisesan arced cover strip 110 that runs across a traffic lane or multiplelanes. The cover strip 110 is mounted upon a housing 140 that isembedded within the road, directly under the cover strip. The coverstrip 110 is abutted upon a wing 120 that is attached to an axis ofrotation 150 also located within the housing 140. The upper end of thewing 120 touches the cover strip above the road level. The wing 120 isalso connected to a spring 130, such as a compression spring. Wheneverthe cover strip 110 is pressed down, the wing 120 rotates around theaxis 150 and is subsequently returned to its original position by thespring 130.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the wing 120 may becomprised of a plurality of adjacent wings that may be connectedtogether in a telescopic manner.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to the presentinvention now with the electrical conversion means depicted. The systemfurther comprises, in addition to the aforementioned description of FIG.1, a fly wheel and a rotor 210, a stator 220, centered within the rotor210, a spring 230 (variant of 130) connecting the wing 120 and thehousing 140, an electromagnetic generator 240 connecter to the rotor anda clutch 250. The clutch 250 transfers the rotational motion to flywheeland rotor 210 which activate in turn the electro-magnetic generator 240.Vehicles driving over the cover strip 110 press it down causing therotor to rotate and drive the generator to generate alternating currentwhich is then modified and passed on. When the wing 120 is released, thespring 230 returns it back to the initial position. And.

According to some embodiments of the invention when the system, arelaxed phase (i.e., no vehicle over the cover strip) the cover strip isprotruding above the surface of the road necessitating a deriver to slowdown.

According to some embodiments of the invention the electricity producedby the generator is then transferred to power supply connected to astabilizer for accumulating the energy to be used for any electricpowered appliance. Alternatively, it may be redirected to power grid viabi-directional power meter.

According to some embodiments of the invention, apart from the coverstrip 110, all the system's components are located inside the housing140, under road surface, thus imitating a the size and shape of astandard road hump.

According to some embodiments of the invention, multiple vehiclespassing one after another transfer a small amount of its kinetic energyto the device, ensuring, with the use of said flywheel 210 a smooth andconstant rotation of the rotor. This results in a stable and permanentelectricity generation.

According to some embodiments of the invention the electromagneticgenerator is a generator standard to the art. The electricity generatedby this operation is then transferred, using traditional technology andcomponents (i.e. batteries, regulators, DC motors etc), to connectedstreetlights or any other electric power appliance or holding station.Alternative connectivity method is based on synchronized regulator thatenables a direct connection of generated electricity to power grid, viaa bi-directional power meter. Using the present system acts as a “powerstation”, while generated power is credited to the system's owner.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the cover strip 110encases three layers of material that provide strength and durability,that include rubber, composite material and a thin metal layer. Thefirst layer is thin metallic layer. A second layer made of material thatacts as a sound and vibration barrier encloses the steel layer. Thesetwo layers are then encased in a composite material. This results in arigid but flexible material that will withstand wear and heat generatedby vehicles constantly riding across it as well as the resultantcontinuous flexing.

According to some embodiments of the invention the housing and most ofthe components contained therein are made of metal for robustness.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at its highest point,the cover strip sits approximately 9 cm above the surface of the road.In the arced position, the cover strip is at least 40 cm wide.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show exemplary deployments for the present invention,FIG. 3 shows a roundabout 400 wherein the cover strips 110 (as well asthe systems beneath them) are deployed on two roads leading to theroundabout. The deployment in this location may enable to regulateslowing down the speed while entering to a roundabout from a main road(the road where the cover strips have been placed).

FIG. 4 shows the deployment of the cover strips 110 on both sides of adual lane road 400. This may be required in a place where slowing downis important for both directions (such as near a school).

FIG. 5 shows the deployment of a cover strip 110 on a T-junction 500,right before the left turn lane, wherein stopping is required more oftenthan not. By deploying the system there—stopping and at least slowingdown is necessitated.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention the system isintegrated with a traffic velocity regulator. The flow of traffic andthe amount of electricity that needs to be generated will determine thenumber of generators (and an equal number of wings) required and theirexact position on traffic lanes.

Advantageously, the system as described above has a dual effect. First,it may be utilized as road humps for slowing the traffic down whereinthe cover strip serves as a road hump platform. The depression of thewing occurs at any vehicle speed so that it covers a wide range ofspeeds. Second, low speed continuous traffic ensures constant motion ofthe rotor and lasting electricity generation. Thus, the integration ofthe device into road humps is especially efficient because of the factthat the device is designed to work in slow traffic regime. As anexample, urban traffic can be considered, as well as toll-roads payingplaza and parking lots entrances and exits. The produced electricity canbe directly utilized for streetlights, traffic lights or otherappliance. This combination reduces the costs and maintenance expensesof the device.

In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementationof the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “anembodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to thesame embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in thecontext of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a singleembodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”,“one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein isnot to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may bebetter understood with reference to the accompanying description,figures and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construea limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carriedout or practiced in various ways and that the invention can beimplemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in thedescription above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”,“consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude theaddition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers orgroups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifyingcomponents, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, thatdoes not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to“a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there isonly one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that acomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can”or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure,or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may beused to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to thosediagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow neednot move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the sameorder as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing orcompleting manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selectedsteps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and proceduresfor accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, thosemanners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readilydeveloped from known manners, means, techniques and procedures bypractitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in theclaims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting butrather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to becommonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which theinvention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice withmethods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles,referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if eachindividual publication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of anyreference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shallnot be construed as an admission that such reference is available asprior art to the present invention

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on thescope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of theembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possiblevariations, modifications, and applications that are also within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shouldnot be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat alternatives, modifications, and variations of the presentinvention are to be construed as being within the scope and spirit ofthe appended claims.

1. A system for converting kinetic energy of vehicles passing along atraffic lane into electricity, said system comprising: a cover strippositioned across the traffic lane; a housing embedded into the groundunder the traffic lane; a main rotation axis; a compression spring; awing connected at the upper end to the cover strip and at the second endto main rotation axis, said wing attached to the compression springwherein the wing rotates as a result of the pressure applied upon thestrip and returns to its upper position as a result of the compressionspring power; a generator coupled to the wing, wherein said generator isconfigured to convert the rotational movement into electricity; andwherein the system is integrated as a road hump such that in a relaxedphase the cover strip is protruding above the surface of the trafficlane necessitating a deriver to slow down.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, further comprising: a clutch engaged between the main rotationaxis and the wing; a flywheel and a rotor connected to the generator andoperatively connected to the wing via the clutch; wherein the clutchselectively engages and disengages the wing from the rotor allowingbi-directional conversion the wing's movement into a rotational movementof the rotor.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the coverstrip is made of a combination of the following materials: rubber,metal, composite materials, ribbon compounds.
 4. The system according toclaim 1 wherein the wing is partly located above the surface of thetraffic lane and the cover strip functions as a road hump.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1 wherein system further comprises a traffic velocityregulator.
 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the generatedelectricity power is synchronized and regulated to be redirected to apower grid.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electricitygenerated is stored over an electricity storage device for later use. 8.The system according to claim 1, wherein the electricity generated isdelivered directly for consumption.
 9. The system according to claim 1,further comprising a power meter such that the system operates as a minipower station whereby generated power is credited to the system's owner.10. An apparatus for regulating traffic velocity by converting vehicularmovement along a traffic lane into electricity, said apparatuscomprising: means for converting the kinetic movement of vehicles overthe apparatus into rotational movement; means for converting therotational movement into electricity; wherein the apparatus isimplemented as a road hump.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theelectricity is synchronized and regulated to be redirected to a powergrid.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means forstoring the electricity for later use.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10,further comprising means for delivering the electricity directly forconsumption.